Gareth Bale has been at it once more for Wales.
Following his heroics in main his nation to the European Championships of 2016 and 2020, the Dragons are only one recreation away from qualifying for the World Cup for the primary time since 1958 – their solely look within the competitors to this point.
Wales got here second in Group E of World Cup qualification, ending 5 factors behind Belgium to safe a spot within the play-offs. Of their semi ultimate, Bale scored twice in opposition to Austria to earn a 2-1 win and arrange a winner-takes-all encounter within the ultimate.
However whereas the opposite UEFA play-offs have concluded – Poland beating Sweden and Portugal besting North Macedonia – Wales are but to seek out out who they’re taking part in.
Wales will play considered one of Scotland or Ukraine. All three groups are a part of Path A within the second spherical of UEFA qualification for the World Cup.
On account of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the semi ultimate between Ukraine and Scotland has not been performed.
The Ukrainian FA submitted a request to FIFA to postpone that semi ultimate, alongside the trail ultimate. It was granted, although to keep away from fixture congestion the sport between Wales and Austria went forward.
Proper now, it stays unsure. The nation of Ukraine continues to be coping with Russia’s barbaric invasion and its horrific results.
There was some speak of the second semi ultimate being performed in June, although Scotland supervisor Steve Clarke has admitted he’s sceptical over the sport going forward that quickly.
“The very quick reply is ‘no’,” he mentioned when requested whether or not there had been an replace on the play-off. “I might think about everyone seems to be ready till this spherical of matches is out of the best way after which see how the scenario develops. However, clearly, it’s not wanting nice at this second.
“Should you’re asking me now will the sport go forward in June then it’s going to be tough. Nevertheless it’s a scenario we are able to’t management, so I’ll give attention to these two friendlies and ensure we get one thing out of the video games on this camp.”
Whereas their spot on the Qatar World Cup later this yr continues to be but to be confirmed, Wales know who they are going to play in the event that they qualify.
The draw for the group stage has already been made, with Bale and Wales set to tackle England, the USA and Iran in the event that they get previous Scotland or Ukraine within the play-off ultimate.
Wales and England confronted off at Euro 2016, when the Three Lions earned a late win within the group stage earlier than being knocked out by Iceland, whereas Wales loved a historic run to the semi finals earlier than being downed by eventual winners Portugal.
